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Hi all:
It's been awhile, I've been reading the posts, but since I've been traveling for the last two weeks, I've really hadn't had a chance to post.
Last Monday we took Tika for her routine checkup and the 'suspicious' spots are now confirmed lung mets, (with a few more formed).
Although, I've mentally/emotionally tried to prepare myself for this day, once again, the hit in the gut happened. While they did her blood test I had to go outside and let the floodgates go. My husband soon brought Tika out and went back in to go pick up more chemo pills and pay. Tika and I sat in the shade and shared some water.
Of course, so many well meaning people stop by and say, it's okay, the doctors will fix her right up. I try to understand that they are being kind, but I get somewhat irritated. I just want to scream out, NO, they CAN'T not unless EVERYBODY starts understanding that we need more support and focus on a cure for cancer!
Tika's 7 month anniversary will be this Thursday. Her 5th birthday will be July 21st. And it will be a rough one for her human parents.
The oncologist said that it will probably be 4 months or so and she'll really start showing signs of the mets interfering. However, it all depends on how well the metronomic protocol is working, etc. At one slightly amusing moment, she asks us: Do you want to continue with the protocol? Uh, well, yeah!
So, I think our girl will beat the 8-12 month prognosis usually given for osteosarcoma, but it's not really helping momma now. I'm once again sad, angry, helpless....can't even fall back on my twisted sense of humor to get me through this.
However, this being said, Tika is cussing me out, making buffet dinners out of rabbit warrens and still being her regular old punky self, so I guess that means--I need to suck it up, huh?
Hang in there everybody, I've been following your stories. Enjoy your good times as much as you can!
--Kim and Tika
Kim and Spirit Tika http://www.tika.....ogspot.com
Like you say ... hang in there! The news is tough, but try to keep enjoying life in the now. It is all that matters, after all. That's why they call it the present. Just ask Tika.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Kim,
Getting confirmation of lung mets is like living the original diagnosis all over again. It's awful. Once you think you have control over everything, that ugly cancer comes back. We all know it's coming, and when it does, watch out. I'm so sorry, I wish there was something that we could say or do to make it easier for you at this time.
We know it's hard not to grieve for Tika. But do try your best to suck it up and remember that you can let the tears fall later, some other time, far away from today. For now, you know what to do.
Live the moment. Celebrate everything. Each day is a gift.
We are here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm sorry to hear about the lung met confirmation. Lately I've been feeling like Jack has them as well because he has been getting tired a lot faster than he used to and hasn't been very excitable the past couple days. I suppose it could be the summer weather, but the skeptic in me suspects mets. It is a horrible thing we all are going through and most of us will one day get the met confirmation...I'm just very sorry you have to go through this. Keep your head up and I wish you guys the best of luck!!!
One pawed hugs from Jackers to Tika
Kim,
So sorry to hear about the mets. Remember that Tika can sense what you are feeling, so try to be as upbeat as possible for her. It must be hard for you both but Tika needs you now more than ever. Celebrate her anniversary, celebrate her birthday, celebrate every day you have with her. The time for tears will come later. You are in our prayers.
Eleanor & Chuy
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Kim.
I am so sorry to hear of Tika's diagnosis. I cried when I read it. We, the members of this group, all know or will know your pain. Please try to savor these times with Tika. Easier said than done.
Debra & Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I'm so sorry to hear Tika's update. I can only imagine how devistating it is to hear the "m" word. As difficult as this must be for you, don't forget to live in the moment. It is more important now than ever.
Lots of healing thoughts for Tika and hugs for you. We will be here for you.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Kim,
I am so sorry to hear about Tika and the news. I remember so well the day we were told the same with Wrigley. I allowed myself a while to get upset and feel sorry for myself, then the next day is when we drove her to the snow and played all day- that is when we took the picture you see of her catching the snowball. We had the best day- because we focused on her life and not the mets. Live in the moment and enjoy each and every second. Allow Tiki to show you how wonderful that can be. For our babies, one more day is one more blessing.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
I am very sorry to hear about the lung mets. It doesn't sound like she even knows they are there! I would keep up with the metronomic protocol until she gets a cough and then you could consider changing to prednisone. I can't remember if Tika is taking piroxicam or another NSAID but you will have to stop it before the pred is started because together they would cause stomach upset or even an ulcer.
We wish you the best.
Pam and Tazzie
Kim,
I am so sorry to hear about Tika and the lung mets. Please hang in there because every day does count and matter. We got the same news on April 22 and Paris is still hanging in there. She is on Prednisone and some days are better than others, but we are glad every night when we go to bed and she is still here. When she is gone we will mourn and be sad, but you and I and all the other Tripawd pawrents know the lesson of one day at a time!!
Just love her and make sure she gets lots of special treats, remember as a special Tripawd pawrent told me, "she doesn't know that she has cancer!!"
Sending you a hug and a lick, Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Hi Kim - we're so sorry to hear about the mets...
This is such a journey - full of so many raw human emotions, but we knew that this point would come for all of us when we made that heart wrenching decision to walk this path with them. I'm sure it doesn't make it any easier though.
We chose this path because we knew that all the pain would be worth it for one more day with them, one more day seeing their wagging tails to greet us, one more day for sloppy and drooling kisses, one more day of snuggles, one more day of unconditional love, one more day of invaluable lessons learned...one more day of living in the "NOW". You have "one more days" for as many as God gives us and the wonderful thing is that Tika doesn't even know what's going on - they live SO much in the moment that it just doesn't register with them.
When she's ready to make that walk across the bridge, she will certainly let you know, but until then try as hard as you can to not grieve her now...she is here and wants to play. There will be time for tears and mourning later....lean on us - there are so many that have been through what you are going through and many that haven't gotten there yet...we are all here for you.
Sending you love and prayers and of course sloppy wet kisses for Tika ~
xo
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi Kim
I'm not as good with words as the others, but I know that at the beginning of this trek, we dread the day of the "M" news, and after it comes, the One Day At a Time philosophy becomes our way of life even more.
Tika is still a Cancer Survivor--thanks to your good care.
May you get to see the blessings of each day.
Hugs and an Anatolian Lean
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Mary, you are great with words, really. Thank you for all the love and support you give here, it means so much to everyone.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HI
I am so sorry to hear about Tika....It's another stab in the heart....
Just try and keep postive thoughts (Not that this is easy at times) and enjoy every precious moment you have together...
Spoil her rotten for her birthday (as i am sure you will)...Montana also just celebrated her 5th birthday on the 3rd July...
They are just so precious and have such great personalities they are a treasure to have in our lives..
Our thoughts are with both of you....Please keep me posted.....
xxxxxxxx
Tracey,Stuart & Montana - cherishing every day we have together
Kim and Tika,
I am so sorry to hear about the lung mets. Please try to stay positive for Tika. She's got a lot of life left in her and will likely surprise you. Look at the many dogs on here that have lived long after mets were found.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue and Nova
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
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